Sunset Presbyterian Church Sermons

Pastor Steve Ruetschle Mark 4:35-41 Today, in preaching on Mark 4:35-41, Pastor Steve offered five lessons from this passage in Mark. Lesson 1) Storms come even if Jesus is in your boat. Pastor Steve noted that Jesus led the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee in the evening. He led them into the night storm. Why would he do this? Please discuss and read Joshua 1:9 and Zephaniah 3:17 out loud together. What are your thoughts about these verses? Lesson 2) Storms can make us feel that God doesn’t care. During the storm, Jesus was in a deep sleep and the disciples “woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?'” Have there been times when you felt God just didn’t care? How did you respond? What was the outcome of this situation? Please discuss and read Psalm 46:1-3 and 6-7 out loud together. What are your thoughts about these verses? Lesson 3). When facing a storm, call out to Jesus! Matthew 8:26 quotes the disciples as saying “Lord, save us!." Read Psalm 4:1

Pastor Steve Ruetschle Numbers 6:22-27 May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you And give you peace. (Christian Standard) God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper. (The Message) The Lord bless and keep you: The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Revised Standard) Today Pastor Steve preached on the Lord’s blessing from Numbers chapter 6. He emphasized that this blessing is gift from God upon which we can rely during this time of uncertainty and fear. 1. Pastor Steve taught that the Israelites’ wilderness experience was a test of faith. Are you in ‘the wilderness’ now? If so, what is it like for you? Have you had wilderness experiences in the past? Please share. 2. The blessing of Numbers 6:24-27 was given before the Israelites went into the wi

Leviticus 1-7 Pastor Steve Ruetschle Today Pastor Steve taught on the practice of ritual sacrifice as described in the Book of Leviticus. The purpose of ritual sacrifice was to bring the Israelites closer to God. The Hebrew word ‘korban’ means both offering and sacrifice. The Hebrew language regarding sacrificial offerings connotes an offering ‘of you’ (ourselves) to the Lord. There are five are different sacrificial offerings described in Leviticus 1-7. 1. -The burnt offering (voluntary): in the burnt offering the whole animal, representing one’s whole self was offered and burned. The smoke of the offering ascended to God. What are your practices for offering your whole self to God? How does this bring you closer to Him? 2. -The grain offering (voluntary): the grain offering is an offering of thanks to God for His provision of food and the necessities of life. What is your practice of giving thanks to God? Please describe and share with the group. 3.- The peace offering (voluntary): the peace off

Pastor Steve Ruetschle New "Highlights in Leviticus" Sermon Series on Preview 1. In preaching on Leviticus today, Pastor Steve noted that the Hebrew title of the book is “He (God) Called”. What was God calling the Israelites to do? What is God calling you to do at this point in your life? 2. The main theme of Leviticus is a call to holiness. Please look up the word ‘holy’ and share your findings. Do you consider yourself holy? (1Peter 1:13-25). Please find some other verses or passages on holiness and discuss them with the group. 3. Pastor Steve shared seven ways in which Leviticus helps us to become holy. What are they? 4. One of the paths to holiness is ‘ritual sacrifice.’ The word ‘sacrifice’ means to ‘bring close’ and often involves bringing a gift to repair a relationship. Share a time when you brought a gift to someone to help repair a relationship. What gifts do you bring to demonstrate your gratitude for the gift(s) God has given you? 5. Another path to holiness is becoming a priest. E

Pastor Steve Ruetschle Exodus 32-33 1. In Exodus chapter 24, a sacred-blood covenant was made between God and the Israelites. In verse 3 the Israelites promised with one voice…”Everything the Lord has said we will do.” What was the nature of this covenant? Why was it necessary? What would happen if the covenant was broken? Have you ever made a covenant with God? Please share. 2. In Exodus 32 we find that as Moses was “so long” in returning from the mountain, the people beseeched Aaron to “…make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” So Aaron made an idol, the golden calf. It’s interesting to note that the Israelites returned to the god that was worshiped during their captivity, Apis the bull god. What ‘golden calves’ are worshiped in our culture? Has there been a time when you returned to an old habit or practice while waiting for God? What was the result? 3. In Exodus 32:24 Aaron broke the 9th commandment i

Pastor Steve Ruetschle Exodus 25-40 1. This morning Pastor Steve noted that Exodus 25:8 is a key verse for this sermon. Why? Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai receiving instructions from God. There are nine chapters in Exodus about the tabernacle which God commanded them to build. Why is the tabernacle so important? 2. God commanded the building of the tabernacle with very explicit instructions. There were to be seven furnishings as seen in Exodus 25 - 27. They are the ark, the curtains, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of the burnt offering and the washbasin. What was the significance of each of these? Does one of these particularly resonate with you? 3. How does each of the seven tabernacle furnishings point toward Christ? Please see John 1:14, John 20:2, Hebrews 10:19-20, John 6:35, John 8:12, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 9:28 and Hebrews 10:22. 4. Please read Ephesians 2:19-22. How does this passage relate to today’s sermon? 5. Today Pastor Steve said the ark and its furn

Guest Speaker: Ted Kober Standing in the Presence of God: The Ten Commandments 1. Please read Exodus 3:4-6. In this passage, God commands Moses to take off his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. Why do you think God required Moses to remove his shoes? What is the modern equivalent of ‘holy ground?’ What should we be removing when we enter holy ground? 2. Read Exodus 20:3-4 out loud together. What are your thoughts on reading these verses? Today Ted Kober noted that these verses involve, among other things, both fearing and trusting God. Do you agree? In addition, our idols often begin with a desire for good things. (James 1:16&17) What kinds of “good and perfect gifts” do we turn into idols? If you’re comfortable, share what kinds of things you are tempted to idolize? 3. Exodus 20:12 tells us to honor our fathers and mothers “so that you may live long in the land the Lord is giving you.” Extending this principle of honoring authority, Ted Kober referred us to Romans 13:1-7. Plea

Exodus 15 The Song of the Sea Pastor Steve Ruetschle 1. This morning Pastor Steve related how Martin Luther defied the world powers of his time when he nailed his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Door. He was inspired by Romans 3:23-25. Can you think of another historical instance of someone standing for what is right and true in the face of implacable opposition? Has there been a time in your life (most likely in a much smaller way) when you had to stand for what is right in the face of opposition? Were you fearful? What inspired you? Please share. 2. In bringing the plagues on the Egyptians, God was confronting not only Pharaoh but all the ‘gods’ of Egypt. Can you name some of these ‘gods’ and how they were connected to the ten plagues? Do you think these connections were apparent to the Egyptians? For example, Heqet, who looked like a frog, was the goddess of fertility and God sent a plague of frogs. What are the ‘gods’ of our time that must be confronted? Share your thoughts. 3. Which plague really got

THE PASSOVER – EXODUS 12:1-17 PASTOR STEVE RUETSCHLE 1. This morning Pastor Steve noted that the Israelites began their year with the Passover, remembering what God had done for them. Do you (or how do you) pause to reflect on what God has done for you recently? Do you have a specific practice for this? Share a way in which He has blessed you in the past year or so. 2. Jesus told the disciples to go and prepare a room (a specific place) to be with Him and celebrate the Passover. Do you have a particular place where you go to pray, reflect and just be with the Lord? Why is this place meaningful to you? 3. The four ‘verbs’ of the Passover represent God’s actions in delivering the Israelites from Egypt. The verbs are; ‘bring’, ‘deliver’, ‘redeem’ and ‘take’. What do each of these refer to? Does one of them resonate with you more than the others? Please share. 4. During the Passover meal with the disciples, Jesus claimed that His blood is the blood that is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Do you

God's Faithful Plan to Redeem Exodus 4-6 1. See Exodus 4:13. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something and responded with, “Pardon me, Lord. Please send someone else.” What happened? Please share with the group. 2. In Exodus 4:29-30 we read that when the Israelites learned that God was concerned about them, they knelt down and worshiped Him. Soon thereafter, the troubles began. Discuss what happened then. How do you respond when it seems God is not fulfilling His promises to you? 3. This morning Barb noted the importance of taking our worship experiences into the week. Share how you live your worship experience throughout the week. Please give a specific example. 4. In Exodus 6:6 the word ‘redeem’ is used for the first time in Scripture. Why do you think this is the case? Is there a shift taking place in the Israelite’s perception of who God is and what He is like? Please discuss. 5. Today Barb stated that truly great leaders must have the ‘heart of a shepherd.’ What does having the h

Pastor Steve Ruetschle Exodus 3:1-15 1. Moses must have been utterly surprised when he encountered God in the burning bush! If you can, share a time when God has surprised you. 2. Pastor Steve noted this encounter was the defining moment in the life of Moses. What has been a defining moment in your life? 3. God’s assignment for Moses involved a task too big, an enemy too strong and a people too much for him. When at home, at work or at church have you been assigned a task too big, an enemy too strong and people that were too much for you? How did you handle it? Please share. 4. Pastor Steve shared 10 things that Moses learned in his experience with the burning bush: 1) God reveals Himself (in fire), 2) God is great (greater than nations), 3) God speaks, 4) God is holy, 5) God is awesome (and being in awe of Him helps us to resist temptation), 6) God sees and hears us, 7) God is compassionate, 8) God rescues and delivers, 9) God sends people to do His work, and 10) God is present. Which of these reson

Acts 7: 17-38; Exodus 2:1-3:15 1. For the earliest months or years of Moses’ life, Moses was nursed by his own mother. What might she have prayed or sung or spoken over her child during those frequent and intimate encounters? 2. Moses grew up as a Hebrew in the court of the Egyptians. He was both an outsider to the Egyptians and an outsider to the Hebrews. How might this unique upbringing have molded Moses’ sense of self? 3. Read Acts 7:23-29. When Moses, in his forties, desired to encounter his own people, they did not welcome him. What do you think was going on in Moses’ heart as he fled to Midian? 4. Barbara remarked that this first time, Moses sent himself to save his people, while later God would send him to save his people. Have you ever rushed or forced a sense of calling? What was the result? 5. Moses spent forty years in Midian as a foreigner, humbly tending sheep in the desert. Though Moses might have thought he was lost or forgotten, Barbara pointed out that all along, he was acqu

This morning Barbara Feil provided a powerful way for us to reflect on the past year and to prepare for the new year. She exhorted us to reflect and prepare using four steps: Looking Back, Looking In, Looking Up and Looking Forward. As you discuss these steps please read each passage of Scripture out loud. Looking Back - Deuteronomy 8:1-2 1. These verses remind us that God leads us through our years. Was there a wilderness experience for you in 2019 or was it smooth sailing all the way? In either case, list a couple of events included in your 2019 and share how God has led you. Looking In – Psalm 139:23-24 2. Barb noted that we are often hesitant to ‘look in’ and, as a result, avoid ourselves. We should ask the Lord to “take the flashlight of the Holy Spirit” and show us who we are. Are there places of anxiety, shame, unresolved conflict, putting our own comfort first or taking the easy way out in our lives? This is a time for repentance and confession. If you are comfortable, share any area in which y

Joy - various scripture utilized for today's sermon. “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause GREAT JOY for all the people.’” Luke 2:10 NIV 1. In her prayer today, Claire Efird asked God to help us enjoy ‘the wonder of the mundane.’ What kind of ‘mundane things’ cause you to wonder and bring you joy? Share why with the group. 2. Today Pastor Steve made a distinction between happiness and biblical joy. How would you define that difference? 3. Pastor Steve gave examples of what ‘sparked joy’ for several biblical figures. Please read the following verses and discuss what sparked joy. John the Baptist- Luke 1:41, the angels- Luke 2:10, the magi- Matthew 2:1-2. 4. There are many NT verses regarding joy. As a group please read these verses out loud and discuss what causes joy in each. Matthew 13:44, Luke 15:1-10, Luke 10:17-20, Matthew 28:8, Luke 24:41, Luke 24:52, Acts 13:48-52, 1 John 1:1-4. 5. Pastor Steve noted that biblical joy is a container tha

PEACE - various scripture utilized for today's sermon 1. Barbara said that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. In the book "Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin", Cornelius Plantinga, defines shalom (the Hebrew word for peace) this way: “In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight--a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.” Was there anything about this definition that surprised you? How does this definition expand your understanding of Jesus as the Prince of Peace? 2. Barbara shared how when mechanical things in her home break, it disturbs her sense of shalom. What disturbs your shalom (peace)? And what fixes it? 3. Read 2 Cor 5:17-21. What does it mean to follow Christ into death, resurrection, and peace-ma

LOVE – MARK 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” 1. Today Pastor Steve began by talking about the traditions of Advent. What Advent traditions do you or your family follow that celebrate the coming of the Messiah? What new ideas are you hearing from fellow group members or from others? 2. As a group read 1 John 4:7-9. Steve noted that the disciples watched Jesus to see what ‘agape’ love is all about. Do you know someone who exemplifies agape? Share about this person with the group. There are several ways in which Jesus showed agape to others. Loving children (Mark 10:13-16), loving the sick (Luke 4:40), loving the poor (Luke 6:20), loving sinners (Romans 5:6-8) and loving enemies (Luke 23:34) 3. Which of these forms of agape come the easiest for you and which is hardest? Please share. 4. Read 1 Cor.13:4-7 o

PSALM 130 1. This morning we learned that there are two Hebrew words for hope; ‘yakhal’ which means ‘to wait’, and ‘qavah’ which is ‘tense anticipation.’ These words are used multiple times in the Psalms. In Psalm 39:7 both words are used: “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait (qavah)? My hope (yakhal) is in you.” Given the context of Psalm 39 why do you think David chose the two different Hebrew words for hope in this passage? 2. Today Barb noted that, in captivity, the Hebrews had nothing to look forward to. Have you ever been in such a situation? How did you handle it? Did hope play a role? Please share. 3. Define ‘optimism’ and ‘hope’ in your own words. What’s the difference between the two? 4. Read Psalm 130:5 out loud together. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” How are you at waiting? How does our culture affect our attitude about waiting? 5. See Colossians 1:27. Barb stated that the way we do Christmas matters! Share some specific ways that,

FORGIVENESS– GENESIS 42-50 1) Today Pastor Steve talked about how unforgiveness can lead to “chains” while forgiveness leads to freedom. Forgiving others actually leads to both physical and emotional health: better sleep, better immune response, and even longer life spans! Please share a time when, in your experience, forgiveness brought about emotional or physical benefits. 2) In Genesis 42, Joseph tested his brother's “heart conditions” before he offered them forgiveness and restoration. Does this surprise you? Do you think Joseph was right in doing this? Have you ever a had a similar experience? 3) Steve gave us five signs of forgiveness being offered: 1) releasing the one who has wronged you from fear of retribution, 2) releasing the one who has wronged you from their distress, 3) showing the one who has wronged you with acts of kindness, 4) working to reconcile the broken relationship, and 5) clearly reassuring the one who has wronged you of your forgiveness. (see Genesis 50:15) Which one of the

How to Rise Above Hardships Genesis 37-41 1) Today Steve emphasized that we can rise above hardships because God is with us. How do you remain aware that God is with you in hard times? What are your strategies for coping? 2) Joseph ultimately married and had sons. He named one of them Manasseh which means ‘causes to forget.’ (Genesis 41:51). Joseph rejoices that God has caused him to forget his troubles. Is it really possible to forget our troubles after we’ve gone through difficult times? Should we forget them? 3) Steve mentioned at least eight examples of how the incidents in Joseph’s life foreshadow events in Jesus’ life. As a group, see if you can remember all eight of them. Share your thoughts on these parallels. 4) Our sermon notes have recently included a gratitude journal. Are you keeping a record of things to be grateful for? What’s included in it? In times of trials, what kind of things do you remember to be grateful for? 5) In closing today, Pastor Steve showed us a picture of two o